Back in November Robyn posted a guest blog about the foreshore clearance event arranged by Gray's Beachcombers and Thames21. To read about that event click here.

The next clearance has been announced and we wanted to let you know more details, take it away Robyn:

On 25 November we went over to the concrete barges to clean up the area of foreshore - this area gets a lot of rubbish washed up from the capital. 38 volunteers in 3 hours filled around 100 bags of litter and two larger bags collecting 4350 PLASTIC BOTTLES (amazing but very sad). The last clean-up was in September so these have washed up in just a few months.

Here's a before and after picture from the event in November:



Many of you expressed interest in the next event and I now have details of it! Local clean-up groups supported by Thames 21 are continuing the effort to manage the washed up rubbish on the Thames foreshore on the 13th January. We are supporting this event by advertising to you with some staff and volunteers in attendance, please see the event details below for more information and to RSVP. They will need to know if you plan to attend so they can cater for numbers equipment wise.

Last time RSPB Rainham Harriers ran to and from the litter pick from the centre and we will be doing the same again this time! Paul will be leaving the centre at around 12pm giving plenty of time for a leisurely run to the site and either walking or running back depending on how tiring the pick will be! Jonathan will be running a Dr Bike session from 10am to 12pm and then cycling to the event. If you would like to bring your bike to the visitors centre, Jonathan will be helping out with any issues, or you are more than welcome to rent a bike from us and Jonathan will be leading a group cycle.

This event is going to be a great one- you will meet like-minded people who care for the local community and being outside will do wonders for your health and well-being. Particularly if you join us on our Active in Nature adventures and get a bit fit travelling to and from the event!

If you would like more information about running or cycling to the event please email me on robyn.smith@rspb.org.uk but if you are just interested in the litter pick feel free to use the details below:


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Come help us clean up the foreshore at Rainham Marshes!

Meet other nice people and get your lungs pumped up with fresh air and enjoy the beauty of this particular river urban landscape. We will be litter picking along the foreshore of the Thames at the Concrete Barges. Second time.

All safety and clean-up equipment will be provided, just dress appropriately for the weather, bring yourself and loads of energy.

Meet 13:00 in Riverside Park Carpark, off Coldharbour Lane, Rainham. Look for the Thames21 van.

Please sign up, places are limited.

For more info and TO SIGN UP contact:
Steve: 07922 48 05 28 or email scatchp1@hotmail.co.uk

From Rainham station, you´ll have to walk for about 20mins (nice path through the Rainham Marshes).

Full details and directions will be provided when you sign up.

Want to lead a clean-up event yourself? Thames21 offers regular training Programmes, for more info go to www.thames21.org.uk